Dogs

250g/9oz jumbo oats 350g/12oz whole-wheat flour 125g/1 ½oz blueberries ½ cup goat or sheep yogurt 1 small ripe banana Cookie cutter of your choosing,Dog’s need energy to start the day, so why not jump-start your pup’s morning with these wonderfully crunchy breakfast bones? These homemade dog treats are packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh fruits, yogurt, and fiber-rich oats which digest slowly and keep your dog feeling full. These are an ideal treat for your morning walk. The recipe makes 42 medium-sized dog treats.

It’s never too early to start planning for a getaway, and what better way to get away from it all than to hit the nature trails with your favorite companion? We found some of the best national parks in the U.S. where dogs are welcome, so get your backpack and your hiking shoes ready for some adventure! Before you go, don’t forget to make sure your dog is current on vaccinations and is protected from ticks. 

So, dogs shouldn’t eat lemon, but is lemon bad for dogs? Consuming small amounts of lemon likely won’t cause issues in your dog, but large amounts can be harmful or even toxic, says Jason Horgan, DVM, medical director of LeadER Animal Specialty Hospital in South Florida. Here are some of the reasons lemons are bad for dogs: They’re high in citric acid. Citric acid gives lemons the sour taste that makes your lemonade great, but it can be harmful for your pup. Citric acid can cause mouth and throat irritation, GI distress, and stomach upset (which presents as drooling, diarrhea, and/or vomiting). They contain toxic essential oils. The peels and pith (the white part between the rind and flesh) contain high amounts of limonene and linalool—two essential oils that are toxic to dogs. If consumed in large amounts, these essential oils can cause liver disease and, ultimately, liver failure. They contain other toxic compounds. The peel also contains compounds called psoralens, which can cause sensitivity to sunlight (phototoxicity). This can lead to eye and skin issues in your pup. The rind can be a choking hazard. Lemon rinds are tough and difficult to digest. If your dog swallows a large piece, it can present a choking hazard or become a bowel obstruction, according to Amy Farcas, DVM, MS, DACVIM, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist in San Carlos, California.,Jump to section Why Are Lemons Bad for Dogs? My Dog Ate Lemon—What Do I Do? Can Dogs Eat Other Citrus Fruits? FAQs About Dogs and Lemons

In This Article What Are Pet-Safe Ice Melts? View 4 More +

The holidays can be a confusing time for your pets. You may have guests visiting or travel plans that take your dog far from the comforts of his home, which can be understandably overwhelming for your pet. It’s not uncommon for holiday festivities to cause pet anxiety, which can lead to behavioral issues that can be disruptive to your celebrations at best. But you can prepare your pup beforehand by teaching good dog etiquette to help avoid bad dog behavior. When preparing your family for the festivities this year, use these dog etiquette tips to make holidays with dogs more enjoyable for everyone.

Tear stains on dogs are often caused by porphyrins, which are iron-carrying molecules that are the by-product of red blood cells being broken down. Porphyrins are carried in a dog’s tears, urine, and saliva, and when they come into contact with the pet’s fur, stains are produced. “The chemical reaction between porphyrins and fur is what causes the change in color,” says Zay Satchu, DVM, chief veterinary officer and co-founder of BondVet, based in New York City. In this case, the extent of a dog’s tear stains is determined by the quantity of porphyrins and tears produced by the individual pet, says Rachel Ann Stalcoskie, head stylist and co-owner of Rachel Ann’s Country Clips Pet Grooming in Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania. Tear stains on white dogs are typically more obvious but only because of their light fur. While tear stains on dogs are harmless, they may be indicative of an underlying medical issue. So, “If tear stains are a new development, it is a good idea to have a physical exam performed by a veterinarian to ensure there is no medical reason causing increased tear production that is leading to the staining,” recommends Dr. Satchu. Tear stains on dogs are sometimes due to either eye irritation or a tear duct system that doesn’t drain tears correctly. Normally, tears drain from the eyes to the nose—but a wonky tear duct system causes tears to flow over the eyelid and onto the face. What are some of the other things that may cause tear stains that your vet might want to rule out? Entropion: This is where the eyelids are positioned towards the eye instead of away. Some breeds, including English Bulldogs, Great Danes, and Miniature Poodles, are more susceptible. A yeast or fungal infection Abnormal eyelashes: Ectopic cilia, for example, occurs when one or more hairs grow abnormally. The hair then makes contact with the cornea (surface of the eye) and causes irritation and ulcers. Damage to the cornea: This is oftentimes caused by an infection or the result of an injury to the eye. Glaucoma: When fluid builds up, it increases pressure on the eye.,Jump to section What Causes Tear Stains on Dogs? How To Get Rid of Tear Stains on Dogs How To Prevent Tear Stains on Dogs

Q: Sometimes my dog will start scooting their butt across the floor out of nowhere, as if they’re trying to itch a scratch they can’t reach! I’m not sure if it’s just a silly quirk or if they need some medical attention. Is a dog dragging their butt normal?   A: It’s fairly common to catch a dog scooting their butt across the floor, and while it might look funny, it’s usually a sign of discomfort. Scooting is often caused by skin irritation, leftover fecal matter, or pressure from the anal glands. While any dog can exhibit this behavior, it’s particularly common among smaller or stockier breeds, like Chihuahuas or Pugs.   To learn more about why dogs drag their butts and how to help, we spoke with a canine behavior expert and a veterinarian who shared what pet parents need to know. 

The holidays just aren’t complete without spending time with our loved ones—especially ones of the furry variety. Having our dogs near while celebrating the holidays is a surefire way to make all of our festivities even more cheery and bright. So, what’s the secret to getting your pup into the holiday spirit? Tasty dog treats inspired by staple holiday foods, all stuffed in one of your pup’s favorite dog toys—the KONG Classic.

The American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pit Bull are both loyal, affectionate dogs with muscular builds and lots of energy. Depending on your lifestyle and needs, one of these popular breeds might be a better fit than the other. But before we compare the American Staffordshire Terrier versus Pit Bull dogs, we need to clarify what, exactly, a Pit Bull even is. The fun-loving Pit Bull Terrier isn’t technically a defined breed. Instead, the term “Pit Bull” is often used colloquially to refer to any bully breed or mix, including the American Staffordshire Terrier. The term sometimes refers specifically to the American Pit Bull Terrier, a breed recognized by the United Kennel Club but not by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The American Staffordshire Terrier (aka “AmStaff” for short) and the Pit Bull (“Pittie” for short) are closely related—so much so that, according to the AKC, every AmStaff is technically an American Pit Bull Terrier, but not every Pit Bull is an AmStaff. These spirited breeds share ancestors and a complicated history that explains why the line between Pit Bull versus American Staffordshire Terrier is so murky. Let’s learn more.